Completed Sorbetto No. 4

This is the 4th Sorbetto top that I have finished. It is made with a 'linen-look' poly/cotton blend pillowcase that is completely liquid resistant - I know this because I spilled iced tea on it and the moisture beaded on the surface of the fabric then fell off without so much as a damp spot left behind. Odd but nice under the circumstance.

Anyway, since this is a repurposed pillowcase I initially left the hem as added length but it was too tight in the hips and kept bunching in the back - which is NOT a flattering look at all! - so I turned up the premade hem and then hand hemmed it so that all raw the edges are encased. I love it.

I wore it to work today and people were amazed that I not only made it, but made it out of a pillow case. It was complimented without my initiation and things like 'How did you do that?' and 'That is gorgeous!!' were uttered by coworkers and strangers alike when I revealed that it was handmade and repurposed. Here are the pics ( check out that glamorous 1950's 'Truly Regal' handmade pearl collar available here at Couture Panache ) obviously it was kind of a long day..

Pillowcase Sorbetto 

Truly Regal Pearl Collar

Bragging - I mean Blogging - about cheap finds

It turns out that $3 gets you pretty far in the thrift fabric/pillowcase world. I got 2 amazing floral pillow cases, a flat full sheet, some actual fabric, a 80's sewing book (with pattern included), an embroidery hoop, and 4 nautical button covers all for $3.75. I think it goes without saying that everything is in the wash.
Speaking of wash, I inspected My Three Sorbetto's which were drying in the fresh air and here's what I noticed. Two of the three tops blouses have small areas on the inside where I had missed the bias tape the first time around. Not a big deal, only a centimeter or less length, but a problem none the less. I think the reason for this is that by the time I am sewing that last armhole I am getting anxious to finish, and subsequently get careless. I am meticulous with the topstitching because it's visible but these little mistakes seem to happen pre-topstitch. I will keep an eye on that in the future and possibly iron my bias tape then take a break between making the tape and sewing it to the blouse. Got to stay fresh and on top of things...

One of the pillowcases I bought today has a beautiful neutral-brown floral print on it and I think it would be amazing to tea or coffee dye it before creating the blouse. A million years ago I took a fabric dying class where we learned about natural vs. synthetic dyes. Tea and coffee dying is remarkably easy and there's no reason NOT to try it. Talk about a lovely vintage-y effect!

Clearly I'm itching to bead something (as is evident in my last post) hence the embroidery hoop. 5 cents btw. Jealous?

1.5 yds - Going to be bias tape

Pillow Case

Pillow Case

Flat Sheet

Button Covers - I have 2 of each

Inspiration: Sorbetto Mods

I typed in 'Vintage Top' into Etsy.com and some really nice images came up. I am eagerly anticipating my pillowcases (in T-minus 1 hour) and I think these will be the inspiration for the future Sorbetto's. I just cannot stop making these tops!


Speaking of Tops Blouses, here's why I like them so much. You can never really have too many. It's easy to wear the same pair of jeans or pants but a different top can really change the entire look. I am on a secret mission to never wear the same outfit to work (which I go to twice a week) twice. My coworkers (well, just one or two of them) already think I'm snobby and overdressed so why not play into that and wear fabulous things I've made every time I show up.

Anyway, on to the vintage blouses:

Like those beads and sleeves!

Nice Pleat.

So beaded! Love.

These are from Anthro.

Also from Anthro.

Finally, I am washing My Three Sorbetto's today. They are going in the wash on the cold/cold handwash/delicate cycle. I am going to hang them outside to dry so they'll smell wonderful. As a general rule I don't wash my clothing very often (because it diminishes the integrity of the cloth over time) because I rarely sweat or get dirty. Sometimes with sewing projects though, a good wash helps the components mesh. Does that make sense?

DIY Vintage

I love vintage clothing and there is nothing better than finding that perfect treasure at a great price tucked away in a junk shop. I've decided to take matters into my own hands and create some perfectly fitted vintage-inspired tops for myself. One way that I'm going about this by thrifting old fabrics - more specifically, old pillow cases. Gotta work with what I've got :)

I am making my first pillow case top this morning and pictures will follow.